Minnesota lawmakers react following Sen. Franken's resignation speech

Posted:
Thursday, December 7, 2017 12:20 PM EST

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KTTC) -

Thursday, U.S. Senator Al Franken announced that he plans to resign his seat in the United States Senate. Below are statements from Governor Mark Dayton and Lt. Governor Tina Smith on this announcement.

The following is a statement from Governor Mark Dayton:

“I extend my deepest regrets to the women, who have had to endure their unwanted experiences with Senator Franken. As a personal friend, my heart also goes out to Al and his family during this difficult time.

“In other respects, Al Franken has been an outstanding Senator. He has been, as Senator Paul Wellstone used to say, ‘A Senator from the Democratic Wing of the Democratic Party.’ He is very smart, very hard-working, and very committed to Minnesota. I wish him well in his future endeavors.

“Events have unfolded quickly; thus, I have not yet decided on my appointment to fill this upcoming vacancy. I expect to make and announce my decision in the next couple of days.

“Senator Franken has been a servant to the people of Minnesota, and a champion for working people during his time in the Senate. I thank him for his service. On this difficult day, I am holding Senator Franken, his family, and those who have worked beside him over the last decade to make this country a better place, in my thoughts.

“I also am thinking today about the many women around the country who have come forward in recent months to share their stories about sexual harassment. Sexual harassment can never be tolerated in our politics, our businesses, or anywhere else.

“Now, it is on all of us to come together and make the progress necessary to live up to the values we believe in. Governor Dayton and I remain committed to ensuring that Minnesota is a place where everyone has the opportunity to realize their full potential.”

The following is a statement from Sen. Amy Klobuchar:

“Today Senator Franken acknowledged that he could no longer serve in the Senate and resigned. As he and I discussed yesterday, this is the right decision. Senator Franken has worked for years on behalf of the people of Minnesota and he has been a leader on issues that are fundamental to Americans’ lives, including education, privacy, healthcare and mental health. He has been a friend to me and to many in our state.

“As the women who have come forward to tell their stories across America have made clear, sexual harassment is never acceptable. In every workplace in America, including the U.S. Senate, we must confront the challenges of harassment and misconduct. Nothing is easy or pleasant about this, but we all must recognize that our workplace cultures—and the way we treat each other as human beings—must change.

“For Franni, the Franken family, Senator Franken’s friends and supporters in our state, it’s a very tough day. I want you to know I remain as committed as ever to working together and standing up for people, for common decency, and for our democracy during an incredibly difficult and divisive time in our country. And as we go forward together, we must never forget the words of Senator Paul Wellstone, whom Senator Franken quoted in part today, ‘Politics is not about power. Politics is not about money. Politics is not about winning for the sake of winning. Politics is about the improvement of people’s lives.’”

“Like many Minnesotans, I have been deeply disappointed by the serious allegations against Senator Franken. I have served with Senator Franken for eight years in the U.S. Congress and he has accomplished a lot of good for Minnesotans. But I believe the pattern of his behavior is unacceptable and his ability to continue to effectively serve Minnesotans has been irreparably compromised. For the good of Minnesotans and the American people, I believe Senator Franken has made the right decision in stepping aside.”

For the good of Minnesotans and the American people, I believe Senator Franken has made the right decision in stepping aside. pic.twitter.com/VTGasMochi

Thirteen people who work hard to make a difference in the community were recognized at the Mayor's Medal of Honor Ceremony on Wednesday at the Mayo Civic Center. Each of them was recognized in a certain category for their service. "

Thirteen people who work hard to make a difference in the community were recognized at the Mayor's Medal of Honor Ceremony on Wednesday at the Mayo Civic Center. Each of them was recognized in a certain category for their service. "

Spring Valley firefighters were called to a residential fire overnight. The blaze broke out about 4:30 Wednesday morning at 1101 South Washington Street. The fire was in a garage. Firefighters were able to successfully put it out before it reached the house. No one was in the home at the time as the lone occupant had left around 2:30 a.m. due to a power outage. The State Fire Marshal will investigate the cause of the fire. Spring Valley Fire Chief, Troy Lange, wants to ...

Spring Valley firefighters were called to a residential fire overnight. The blaze broke out about 4:30 Wednesday morning at 1101 South Washington Street. The fire was in a garage. Firefighters were able to successfully put it out before it reached the house. No one was in the home at the time as the lone occupant had left around 2:30 a.m. due to a power outage. The State Fire Marshal will investigate the cause of the fire. Spring Valley Fire Chief, Troy Lange, wants to ...

Spring Valley firefighters were called to a residential fire overnight. The blaze broke out about 4:30 Wednesday morning at 1101 South Washington Street. The fire was in a garage. Firefighters were able to successfully put it out before it reached the house. No one was in the home at the time as the lone occupant had left around 2:30 a.m. due to a power outage. The State Fire Marshal will investigate the cause of the fire. Spring Valley Fire Chief, Troy Lange, wants to ...

Spring Valley firefighters were called to a residential fire overnight. The blaze broke out about 4:30 Wednesday morning at 1101 South Washington Street. The fire was in a garage. Firefighters were able to successfully put it out before it reached the house. No one was in the home at the time as the lone occupant had left around 2:30 a.m. due to a power outage. The State Fire Marshal will investigate the cause of the fire. Spring Valley Fire Chief, Troy Lange, wants to ...

The last thing firefighters look for is praise for their good actions, but it doesn't hurt to get it every once in a while. Many firefighters were recognized for their quick thinking and bravery in the face of danger but three of them got one award that few also see.

The last thing firefighters look for is praise for their good actions, but it doesn't hurt to get it every once in a while. Many firefighters were recognized for their quick thinking and bravery in the face of danger but three of them got one award that few also see.

The Minnesota Department of natural resources is starting a new study that will help combat the spread of CWD, however it needs the help of area landowners. The DNR is looking to put GPS radio-collars on 115 deer to track their movement patterns in southeast Minnesota, and better inform the deer population models.

The Minnesota Department of natural resources is starting a new study that will help combat the spread of CWD, however it needs the help of area landowners. The DNR is looking to put GPS radio-collars on 115 deer to track their movement patterns in southeast Minnesota, and better inform the deer population models.